Overview

Gokyo Valley to Everest Base Camp is one of the most adventurous treks of Everest region. It is also known as the Everest Circuit Trek. Start with a short scenic flight to Lukla and reach Everest Base Camp via Gokyo and Chola pass, and finish in Lukla.

Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu and follow the path to Phakding located at the bank of Dudhkoshi river for overnight stay. Walking along the river bank until we cross the highest suspension bridge beforing walking into the uphill forest. Top Dada is the point from where we can see the first view of Mt. Everest just before reaching Namche checkpoint. Namche is the trading town of Khumbu. Visiting sherpa museum, seeing the equipment, clothes and reading the history of first Everest ascenders Mr. Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary is something we can do here. Explore the Khumjung village. Sip coffee at Everest View Hotel marvelling at the mountains.

The views of mountains and Kantega Valley from Phortse Thanga is incredible. There are five lakes in Gokyo Region, one of which is near the guesthouse we’ll stay in. Trek up to Gokyo Ri which is in between Gokyo Lakes and Ngozumpa Glacier, that offers the marvelous views of 8,000m peaks, such as Mt. Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Cho Oyu (8,201m) and Makalu (8,464m) and many others above 6,000m.

Crossing the Chola Pass, glaciers and lakes, hiking up to Kalapathar and reaching base camp is a blissful moment and quite a feat on the trek. The mountains that surround us here is something to be savored and after reaching Everest Base Camp we start walking down through Periche via Thukla, which is a memorial pass. The monastery of Tengboche is a well-known monastery in the region and the only one that can be seen from the summit of Mt. Everest. Finally, continue down to Namche then Lukla and fly out to Kathmandu.

Photos

Itinerary

Welcome to Nepal! We will receive you the airport and transport you to hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2

Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA)

Welcome to Nepal! We will receive you the airport and transport you to hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel

Day

Fly to Lukla (2,840m). Trek to Phakding (2,610m)

Wake up early in the morning and head to the the airport for a flight to Lukla. We take a packed breakfast today. After a short scenic flight to Lukla, we begin the trek, after meeting our local trekking staff. We reach Phakding today, located on the banks of Dhudhkoshi River.

Accommodation: Tea House / Mountain Lodge

Distance: 9km

Highest Point: 2840m

Start to Finish Elevation Change: 2840m to 2610m (approx. 3.5hrs)

Day 4

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441m)

Following Dudh Koshi River and then a climb to reach Namche takes approximately 6 hours. We cross the river several times, encountering yaks and mules along the trail. Finally, the trail on the banks finish and we start ascending on steep gradient up, crossing the highest suspension bridge of Everest Region. The climb is steep, so we walk with a comfortable pace. Finally we reach Namche, the biggest town in the region.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House / Mountain Lodge

Distance: 12km

Highest Point: 3441m

Start to Finish Elevation Change: 2610m to 3441m (approx. 6hrs)

Day 5

Namche Bazaar (3441m) acclimatization day

Today is a rest day of the trek. It is very important to take rest and acclimatize as we gain altitude. Today you will hike up to Syangboche and visit a museum that belongs to Sherpa culture, and the history records of Mt. Everest expedition by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, the first ones to scale Everest. The view of Namche, Khumjung village, and the massive summits in front are stupendous from Syangboche.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House / Mountain Lodge

Distance: 5km

Highest Point: 3380m

Start to Finish Elevation Change: 3441m to 3880m (approx. 3hrs)

Day 6

Trek to Phorste Thanga (3,680m)

The trail gradually climbs to higher altitude today through rhododendron forests and juniper. We stick to the left trail from Sanasa, which follows the trail to Gokyo. Over grassland path we reach Mong La daanda where we can take a short break to absorb the beautiful views, before descending to Phortse Thanga.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House / Mountain Lodge

Distance: 9km

Highest Point: 3680m

Start to Finish Elevation Change: 3441m to 3680m (approx. 5hrs)

Day 7

Trek to Machherma (4,470m)

The journey today begins with a steep climb up, through pine forests. Along the trail, you can see beautiful waterfalls. Before reaching Dole you can see magnificent views of the valley down below as well as Mt. Cho Oyu on the horizon. Dole is a commercial town where you can have lunch if you feel hungry. The treeline finishes once we cross Dole.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House / Mountain Lodge

Distance: 14km

Highest Point: 4470m

Start to Finish Elevation Change: 3680m to 4470m (approx. 6.5hrs)

Day 8

Trek to Gokyo (4,790m)

Today is fairly shorter than the previous day. We walk for about 4 hours to Gokyo. The beginning part of the trail is roughly steep up about 25 minutes and then almost flat till Phanga, which is also our tea break spot. Eventually, the trail goes gradually up for about an hour. The approach to the first lake is also steep up and narrow. From the first lake, it takes about 1.5 hrs to reach Gokyo Valley (4,790 m). We have lunch here after which there is enough time to explore the third lake Dudh Pokhari along with magnificent mountain views.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Distance: 8km

Highest Point: 4790m

Start to Finish Elevation Change: 4470m to 4790m (approx.4hrs)

Day 9

Trek to Gokyo Ri (5,383m) and back to Gokyo and trek to Thagna (4,500m)

An early morning hike up to Gokyo Ri (5383m) takes us to an amazing view point to see the mountains from. After, about 2.5-3 hrs hiking you will be on the top of Gokyo Ri, one of the highlights of the trip. From here, you can see a panoramic view of mountains including Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cho-Oyu, Mt. Nuptse, Gyachung Khang, Numbur, Thamsherku, Cholatse and Tawoche in addition to Ngozumpa Glacier and Gokyo Valley and the lake by the side.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House / Mountain Lodge

Distance: 7km

Highest Point: 5383m

Start to Finish Elevation Change: 4790m to 4500m (approx. 3hrs)

Day 10

Cross Cho La pass (5,360m) then trek to Dzongla (4,710m)

Today the trip will start early in the morning before sunrise because we cross the Cho La Pass (5360m). It is highly recommended to cross the pass around 8am before the sun and the wind get too strong. The trip will start steeply up through rocky path. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded by the astonishing views of the Himalayas. We head down from the pass on to Zongla, situated on the lap of Cholatse.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House / Mountain Lodge

Distance: 4km

Highest Point: 5360m

Start to Finish Elevation Change: 4500m to 4710m (approx. 3hrs)

Day 11

Trek to Lobuche (4,910m)

After breakfast in Dzongla, the journey to Lobuche begins at around 7am. The trail today is easier than in previous days as it is on grassland. The view of Himalayas, Khumbu Valley, Cholatse Glacier Lakes, Thukla Pass and so froth make the walk really enjoyable. Crossing the base camp of Lobuche east, we reach the tiny Lobuche village. After lunch and a short rest, we walk up to the Khumbu glacier.

Today we walk to the main destination of the trek – Everest Base Camp. The rocky walk by the Khumbu glacier is quite rough and precarious on some bits, so do be careful. The first village we reach is Gorakshep where we have our lunch and continue to Everest Base Camp. On the way to Base Camp it is important to bring some snacks and water. Explore the Base Camp and return to the guesthouse which is about 5 hours up and down.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House / Mountain Lodge

Distance: 15km

Highest Point: 5365m

Start to Finish Elevation Change: 4910m to 5365m (approx. 8hrs)

Day 13

Hike up to Kalapattar (5,555m) early in the morning and trek down to Periche (4,270m)

This is also a challenging day. Early morning we hike up the Kalapathar to catch the sunrise. As we climb up the mountains come to an eye level. We get a panoramic view of the Khumbu mountains from the top. This is also the highest point of the trek, from where we can see Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lhotse and many others peaks. You make an easy descent to Gorakshep and have breakfast before trekking down to Pheriche, a tiny hamlet at the base of Taboche mountain.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Distance: 15km

Highest Point: 5555m

Start to Finish Elevation Change: 5170 m to 4270m (approx. 7hrs)

Day 14

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441m)

Our journey to Namche from Pheriche starts after breakfast. You will cross the village Pangboche and Imja Khola. A small climb up takes us to Tengboche, a hill station where sits the biggest monastery of the region. It is the only monastery that can be seen from the summit of Everest. After exploring the monastery trek down to Phungi Thanga and climb up to Sanasa. Finally on gradual ups we reach Namche Bazaar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Distance: 22km

Highest Point: 4200m

Start to Finish Elevation Change: 4200m to 3441m (approx. 7hrs)

Day 15

Trek down to Lukla (2,840m)

After trekking for 15 days in the region, we make our way to Lukla which will be our final stop in Solukhumbu region. For lunch, we stop at Phakding, a village that lies on the banks of Dudhkoshi River.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea House / Mountain Lodge

Distance: 21 km

Highest Point: 3441m

Start to Finish Elevation Change: 3441m to 2840m (approx. 7hrs)

Day 16

Morning flight back to Kathmandu

This morning you will flight out from Lukla to Kathmandu, and upon arrival your guide transfers you to the hotel. A good rest after a long trek will be crucial. In the evening, you have leisure time to stroll around Thamel and do any souvenir shopping if you like.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Highest Point: 2840m

Start to Finish Elevation Change: 2840m to 1365m (approx. 35min)

Day 17

Leisure day and farewell dinner in Kathmandu

Today is a leisure day, and you have the option of doing extra activities if you feel it. You can get more information in our Activities Page. And in the evening you will be served a farewell dinner in typical Nepali Restaurant with Nepali folk music and dance. It is also the time of reviewing the trip with your guide.

Important Trip Info

In Nepal, there are two kinds of transport, public and private. We mostly recommend you to use the private than the public because the roads two ways that make traffic, and the private vehicle can avoid the traffic by choosing the proper time for less traffic.

Most of the activities in Nepal is in the high Himalaya. Where you can to think about the very quality of accommodation. The mountain lodge/ tea houses are least facilitate with neat and clean. However, in the cities, there are multiple options to chose the hotel from general guesthouse to a five-star hotel.

In Nepal, you will get the extensive food menu. From the international food menu to local foods. Dal Bhat is the main course of Nepal. Your guide will help you to choose the suitable food, on the trek and tour.

Trekking is the popular trekking ventures in Nepal, which is always in the High Himalaya and where we have the chance to get altitude sickness. So, it is highly recommended to learn more about the High Altitude Sickness before you start the trek. Hurry can be deadly in Nepal Himalaya. Walk slow, and give enough time to your body to fit in the high altitude. Drinking more water and stepping slowly with rest is the best protection against altitude sickness.

It is necessary to have travel insurance before you embark on any trip. The insurance policy should include the cost of medical expenses, any damage or loss of your luggage, and cancellation.

Nepal is one of the safe and more peaceful countries around the world. Even though you must have your Travel Insurance and the should cover the area which is on your itinerary.

Traveling is the way of getting in touch with the local peoples. It is important to recognize what is acceptable in the society, such as dresses, behaviors, and language. There might be different than your own country. Most of the people can communicate in English in the cities and also some touristy towns but if you have learned a few words Nepali, like greetings “Namaste” that make a huge difference.

Apex Asia Holidays always concern about the health and safety of the clients. Our guide carries a first aid kit with the directed medicine by the doctors. We also recommend you to discuss with your doctor about your visit at least a month ago. In case of severe or emergency, we transfer you to the nearest hospital. Safety is the first important for us as a responsible tour agency, so we do not take unnecessary risk.

Group Leader and Crew General

Equipment Checklist

Passports and extra photos

Any prescribed medicine

Water bottle

Head Lamp

Ibuprofen for general pain/ ache

Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea

Sun creams

Small Day Pack

A cap to protect your ear and neck from sunlight

Warm wool or synthetic hat

UV protective glaciers sunglasses - better to have side shield.

A pair liner woolen gloves for mild days and heavy for morning and evening

Three cotton t-shirts

Three synthetic t-shirt

Two long sleeve polyesters, light colored shirts for sunny days.

A soft shell jacket, water resistant, with insulation, underarm ventilation zippers. The full front zipper is preferable for ventilation.

For women two synthetic sports bras, no cotton.

Two pairs of nylon hiking shorts.

Underwear, stay away from cotton.

Two pairs lightweight long underwear.

Two pair trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees.

At least four pairs of liner socks, synthetic. And three pair heavyweight socks to be worn over liner socks.

A pair of lightweight socks, a good option for the lower / warmer parts of the trail and also on lodges at the time of dinner.

A pair light to medium weight waterproof hiking/trekking boots. Make sure the size and should have to be avoidable for blister.

A pair light trekking shoes or sneakers to wear in and about camps or lodge.

Private Trip

Depending on your requirements, we can make this a private trip for you and your group. Please mention this at the time of booking online.

Customized Trip

This is a template of this trip. We can modify the activities and/or days depending on your time availability, budget and interest.

Featured Trips

Client Reviews

Local business that is "100% heart"

Great Moment of Life!

Donna Coburn Lannone

/

Beautiful Memories!

Brain Rea

/

A big tick off my Bucket List

Linda Nguyen

Student / University of Australia

Exhilarating from start to finish

Brett Peters

/

Voluntourism

On April 25th, 2015, a 7.8M earthquake struck Gorkha, which claimed 19,000 lives. Half a million houses were destroyed, leaving countless without homes and livelihood. Help the people of Nepal through our trip!

100% Local and Authentic

The trips we run are local and authentic. We use only local resources, including guides and porters, so you’ll be directly giving back to the communities you visit.

Happy Clients

Our clients have been very pleased with the trips, and have given us raving reviews. We ensure that the trips are both fun, safe and fulfilling.

Self Discovery

The terrains and cultures that the trips explore will leave you in awe, and show you the best of the Himalayas across Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet.

Experienced Guides

Out trip leaders are highly qualified and have been in the industry for a long time, and know exactly what goes into making a great adventure!

Fun, Challenging and Safe

Challenge yourself in the treks that we operate! We prioritize safety and will make sure that the trips are as fun as they are safe, whether it be treks or tours.

In Good Hands

Apex Asia Holidays are your perfect partners to visit all the awe-inspiring locations in the mountains or in the city. We have years of experience taking clients to enthralling places. Browse our trips and book your next journey with Apex!